CYA - Study in Greece (Semester Program)

CYA provided me with so many opportunities that would have been impossible elsewhere. If you are studying history, philosophy, or archaeology, this program is invaluable. Unlike other abroad programs, lunches are offered, which is an amazing plus for budgeting. The apartments are spacious and located in a great neighborhood. If you attend you will fall in love with Pangrati, the food is great, and there are so many places to meet new people and to hang out with friends.
There is nothing that I could say to properly show how outstanding this program was, if you are at all interested in Greece, you must attend!

Studying abroad in Athens, Greece was the best decision I have ever made. CYA was the perfect study abroad program for me as it made me feel supported throughout my semester. Going abroad was my first time traveling internationally, therefore, naturally I was very scared to be in Greece. However, through the program's support, I was able tο quickly adjust to this new life. Being located in the neighborhood of Pangrati allowed me to immerse myself with the local culture. The neighborhood, and Athens in general, were very accessible as there were always nearby restaurants and grocery stores. The program also provided a traditional Greek meal for lunch every Monday-Friday which also allowed me to be more in tune with the culture. Additionally, I really enjoyed going abroad with CYA because we had the opportunity to go explore different regions of Greece through field study trips. While abroad, I was also able to travel to other countries and some of the Greek Islands. I met some of the most amazing people through this program and will always be grateful for the memories that CYA gave me.

Studying abroad is the adventure of a lifetime! With CYA, it was even more memorable. The program is located in Athens, in a safe, lively neighborhood. I felt immersed in the culture immediately, with tavernas and local grocery stores just steps from my apartment. The program not only offers opportunities and activities right there in Athens, but it also coordinates trips throughout Greece to further our exploration of the country. I loved how supportive and organized the program was. It made it easy to not only learn more about culture, history, and language while in Greece, but also to get the most out of our study abroad experience. I liked the size of the program because everyone gets to know each other really well, and it makes it feel like a family. The professors are extremely supportive and are always looking to make personal connections with the students. There are so many class options for any major or interest. A lot of the classes like to use Athens as their classroom, and I think this was one of my favorite parts. I loved meeting at the Athenian Agora or the Acropolis to actually see what we were learning about. I loved taking Greek language, mainly because my professor was the best! I learned so much from her, and she made learning the language possible and exciting. It was so fun going to the local coffee shops and practicing my Greek. CYA is a great program for anyone interested in Greece, history, arts, culture, the Greek language, or a program that takes the abroad experience to the next level!

From the amazing academics, supportive staff, and immersive experiences, CYA is such a great program to study abroad with. I was able to learn so much about and interact with my host country while being able to learn and grow as a student and individual. This program has definitely made me a more engaging global community member and I have become more interested in my communities. This program has reinforced some of my passions while allowing me to grow into a better student, individual, and community member. Also, all of the trips are absolutely amazing with breathtaking views and rich cultural backgrounds!

When people think about studying abroad, they usually think about traveling and seeing famous landmarks, but some of my favorite memories came from the everyday moments. Between classes at CYA, my friends and I would almost always meet at Kekkos Café to grab coffee, catch up, and spend time together before heading back to class. Those little routines, along with walking through Athens, trying new cafés and restaurants, and exploring the city after class, made Greece feel like more than just a place where I was studying. It became a place where I felt comfortable, connected, and at home. Looking back, I realized that while the weekend adventures were unforgettable, it was the friendships I made and the everyday moments we shared that made my experience truly special. Those are the memories I'll always carry with me.

I had traveled with my high school to Ireland in 2023 and since then I knew that I wanted to study abroad in college. Stepping foot into another country and learning about its rich history from the location firsthand is an experience I wish everyone could have. My experience at CYA greatly exceeded my expectations. We received a great education while being able to travel the globe, had hands-on experiences all over Greece, and were fully immersed in the culture of Athens. It is easy to feel like you don't belong when you are a foreigner, but the citizens of Athens and everyone at CYA showed only love and support. I will forever hold this experience close to my heart and highly recommend to anyone who is thinking about studying abroad.

When I went to Greece, I knew I was going to enjoy myself. However, I did not realize how different my time in Greece would be from the learning environment I am used to in the United States. This was my first time living in an apartment of my own, not in a university dorm, and I really feel it prepared me for life after university. One of the best things about it was the teaching environment. Oftentimes, some of my teachers would take our class to historically significant locations in Athens for lessons, and it made the lessons incredibly memorable. Overall, all the teachers I had clearly wanted me to succeed, and offered plenty of assistance in my learning process. The program also offered many opportunities to travel elsewhere in Europe, and I feel I benefited from that a lot.

Studying abroad with CYA in Athens, Greece was one of the most transformative experiences of my college career. As a Psychology major, I was excited to explore how culture influences human behavior, but I gained much more than academic knowledge during my semester abroad. Through courses in psychology, Greek history, and Modern Greek language, I developed a deeper understanding of both Greek society and the broader cultural factors that shape people's lives.
Living in an apartment with three other students from my program created a strong sense of community and led to friendships that became one of the most meaningful parts of my experience. Together, we explored Athens, traveled throughout Greece, and supported one another as we adapted to life in a new country. One of my favorite memories was sitting at the top of the Panathenaic Stadium with my friends, reflecting on everything we had experienced and accomplished during our time abroad.
Having previously moved to Los Angeles without knowing anyone helped prepare me for the challenges of studying abroad. The experience strengthened my independence, adaptability, and confidence while encouraging me to step outside my comfort zone. Thanks to support from USC, CYA, and the Gilman Scholarship, I was able to pursue an opportunity that broadened my academic, personal, and professional horizons in ways I will carry with me for years to come.